Geographically, along a straight line southeast of the Demon King's territory's coastline, the territories of the Lizardmen, Centaurs, and Gorgons are arranged in sequence. Passing through or around the southeasternmost edge of the forest where the giant bees were previously exterminated, lies the Lizardmen's territory, which is two days' journey outside the forest.
Then there are the centaur territories on the plains, and the Gorgon territories closer to the ocean within the plains... Although these territories are said to belong to XXX race, they are often inhabited by other races as well.
For example, the siren-like monsters that now live in the territory of the Gorgon.
Because the war between the frontier and the empire has ceased, the insectoids and other troops stationed on the frontier are gradually returning... It is worth mentioning that there are very few leaders who betray their posts in the frontier territories.
Or perhaps it's just that their territories bordering other countries don't harbor any intention of betrayal... This might be related to the fact that their supplies depend on the control of the Demon King's territory, and that they don't have much tax revenue to pay tribute to.
Border guards are always worthy of respect, even if Iraq killed a considerable number of them.
"Didn't you say anything before setting off?"
As he calculated the distance and time, Ira asked, "Even with the blessing of the Netherworld Path, it will still take us quite a while to reach the lizardmen's territory, won't it? How can we maintain morale during this process?"
In response to Ira's doubts, Senata, who commanded the inferior demon army as the main force (...), replied: "As long as they don't encounter the governor, the monsters will not mutini or run away."
That's the logic, and it's correct.
But preparing to leave without saying a word always felt like something was missing.
As Ira thought this, with his scarlet wings spread behind him, he looked at Satan Leaf flying beside him and asked, "Satan Leaf, are you really going? In my experience, kings rarely go to the battlefield personally."
"Huh? My father often goes to the front lines, right?"
"..."
Ira was taken aback by Satan Ye's answer. Having overlooked this detail, he smiled helplessly and said, "That's why the Demon King's territory has become like this. The king's death on the battlefield really affects the stability of the kingdom..."
However, this battle was very easy; it could be called a "fight" rather than a war.
So it probably doesn't matter.
"Then follow me and don't disrupt the order of the battlefield... If things go well, you'll also have a chance to hone your skills."
As Ira spoke, he looked down at the menacing ranks of headless knights, black knights, and insect hunters below, followed by a dark mass of harpies behind him.
The formation of 240 headless knights and 200 black knights may sound small, but when you actually face such a large group of armored figures, it is an extremely oppressive sight.
After all, these knights were fully armored.
Whether it's the knights of the medieval world before Ira or the magical world of today, armor is an extremely useful thing... full armor against no armor is overwhelmingly stronger.
Even now, Ira still doesn't understand why the warrior's soul, when transformed into a headless knight, would automatically acquire armor made of metal; perhaps this is magic.
Aren't you going to announce the departure?
As Ira asked this, Satanye glanced at him and said, "But I think everyone is waiting for your orders, Mr. Ira... that should be right."
"Come on in, and say something while you're at it... Your father, like you, dislikes pre-battle speeches, but it's proven to be very effective; after all, monsters aren't cold machines, are they?"
Satanye pondered Ira's persuasion for a moment, then reluctantly flew to the front of the army. Under the watchful eyes of countless souls and fires, she hesitated, but began to prepare to say something.
After all, as her teacher, Ira had no reason to lie to her.
Hmm, it would be great if Selina came along...
Thinking this, Satan Ye, under the watchful eyes of the army, didn't know what to say. The words she had grasped earlier were now stuck in her throat, unable to be uttered.
"Everyone..."
After stammering through her words, Satan Ye finished speaking and then uttered three words that were only two words long. She didn't know what else to say. She looked at the outer walls of the Demon King's territory and the forest not far away... her mind was racing.
"Well, that... the lizardmen have betrayed us. No, actually it's not just the lizardmen."
Satan Yeh wanted to say something loudly, but then changed her mind. She unconsciously tucked her fiery red tail between her legs and muttered, whether loudly or softly, "And centaurs and Gorgons... and those wretched gnolls."
"Ugh, I'm so angry!"
"..."
I can't hold it in anymore... Although I could sense Satan Ye's tension and embarrassment, Ira still felt like laughing for some reason.
"But in short... all the other lords have betrayed us, and only a few remain loyal."
Satan Ye, who seemed to have completely given up, did not give a speech, but instead made a statement that sounded like a confession. She said, "The lizardmen, the gnolls, and many, many lords no longer acknowledge me as the Demon King."
"They think the defeat in the war was my fault, while they don't have to bear any responsibility. They think the Demon King is no longer worthy of the title and that I shouldn't be sitting in the Demon King's seat."
Satan spoke her innermost thoughts, expressing her sorrow and anger before setting off on her campaign. Above the vast army, under the watchful eyes of everyone, she continued, "Perhaps, perhaps I am an unfit demon king."
"But none of them are fighting for the monsters... On the battlefield before, there was my father's active figure, and there were you—the insectoids, the knights, and the succubi, constantly fighting."
"But they weren't there."
Everyone looked up at Satan Ye, at this indignant little demon king.
“If it were Hilina, any of you, or any of the leaders who were criticizing me, I would be heartbroken and would question whether I should continue to be the Demon King; but they have no right… no right to question me!”
Satan Ye placed her hand on her heart, her eyes sparkling like beautiful stars. She said, "Those traitors didn't acknowledge me, and I don't need theirs. They have no right to acknowledge me!"
"Those rebels!"
Satan Ye, caught up in the moment, finally found her rhythm. She waved her arms, and the sleeves of her lace dress vibrated in the air, making a crisp sound. The sound wasn't loud, but it was deafening at the moment.
"No one has the right to question the crown!"
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